Staff Predictions for Alabama vs Tennessee

The Third Saturday in October is a game that Alabama and Tennessee fans look forward to each season. Passion drives this rivalry, and the strong dislike between the fan bases is quite prevalent, some even call it "hate." Although the Tide have won the past nine, the Vols come into this match-up with a chip on their shoulders and some confidence, knowing they've made some incredible comebacks already this season.

The Volunteers are coming off a tough loss to the Texas A&M Aggies, so head coach Butch Jones has a chance to rally his troops and take down the top ranked team in the land. But that team is still the Crimson Tide, and Alabama is looking to make it ten in a row over the boys from Knoxville. So will Nick Saban and company enter the second half of the season still undefeated, or will Tennessee knock off the Tide and stay atop the SEC East? Our staff weighs in.

Martin Houston, Host of The Morning Blitz

The Third Saturday in October - 'nuff said! You don't need any hype and bulletin board material to get up for this one. The Tennessee Vols have truly been the cardiac kids, having made a comeback in every game this year, except against Ohio. Even though they lost last week's showdown with the Aggies, the Vols showed that they were not lucky, but resilient. Will that be enough against the Tide? I don't think so. The Tide offense came out hard and fast last week, amassing almost 400 yards, 35 points & 14 first downs in the first half. This will spell trouble for the Vols because unlike last week, look for the Tide defense to be better on third down and play for four quarters. The Tide continues its streak on consecutive wins over the Vols. Alabama 45, Tennessee 24

Wimp Sanderson, Co-Host of Inside the Locker Room

Look for Tennessee to finally end the streak. Look for Jalen Hurts to finally play like a freshman. Turnovers will be the key to a Tennessee victory. Tennessee 24, Alabama 21

Barry Sanderson, Co-Host of Inside the Locker Room

I think due to emotional games and injuries Tennessee will come out flat. Bama will jump on them early and not let up. Alabama 38, Tennessee 17

Gary Harris, Host of The Gary Harris Show

Alabama has won nine games in a row against Tennessee. Last season though, the Vols gave the Tide all they could handle before falling 19-14 in Tuscaloosa. This year, the game is in Knoxville but the result will be the same as the previous nine games that Nick Saban has coached for UA against UT. Alabama 34, Tennessee 21

Travis Reier, Host of Southern Fried Sports

Haven't seen enough from the Vols to think they're capable of winning this game outright. However, I have seen enough from both teams, to think they'll make a run at the Crimson Tide in the fourth quarter. Alabama 37, Tennessee 28

Aaron Suttles, Host of The Suttles Approach

Expect a lot of scoring in this game, especially considering how beat up the Tennessee defense is. The Vols have proven they're the ultimate horror movie villain. If you don't finish them, they will come back. Alabama 42, Tennessee 28

Ryan Fowler, Host of The Game

Alabama is the better team, they have a coach who is 22-6 since 2008 vs. AP Top 10 teams. Butch Jones has not beaten a AP top 10 team in his 11 previous tries. I do not believe that Tennessee’s offensive line can hold up against Alabama’s defensive front 7, they will force Joshua Dobbs to make quick decisions and once again Alabama’s secondary will benefit. Look for Lane Kiffin to have a similar plan against Tennessee that he had for Arkansas. Alabama 42, Tennessee 24

Ben George, Digital Managing Editor

Butch Jones has his Tennessee program playing at the highest level it has in years, which has created a lot of optimism in Knoxville. As impressive as Tennessee has looked at certain stretches this season – mainly in the second half of games – it enters this game with the deck stacked against its team. Not only have the Vols been hit hard by injuries, but now they have to face the most talented team in the country after three straight weeks of hard-fought, emotional games. What’s left in the tank right now? I just think there’s too much working against Tennessee to pull off the upset and end the streak. Alabama 40, Tennessee 24

James Hardy, Producer

Fall is in the air and has arrived just in time for the "Third Saturday in October". While Alabama's defense surrendered over 400 yards passing, they did force five turnovers in last week's win at Arkansas. This week, expect Alabama's ability to force turnovers to be a big difference in a close win. Alabama 31, Tennessee 27

Ryan McMunn, Producer

Aaron challenged me to use the word "macabre" in this week's prediction, so here goes. In the past, it seemed like many teams feared playing Alabama, but that macabre attitude towards the Crimson Tide feels as if its worn off a little bit, especially given the fact that Nick Saban's elite defense has given up 30 points or more twice so far just this season. Butch Jones and the Volunteers may be licking their chops, having scored more than 30 points in four of their six games so far this season. But come Saturday evening, Alabama will prove they have too many weapons and they'll make too many plays, leaving Knoxville with their tenth win in a row in the series. Alabama 41, Tennessee 31